The month of Baisakh has begun and the crops are also ripe to be reaped. During this time of the year new year is celebrated in many parts of eastern, northern and southern India. Every year these festivals are celebrated between 13 and 20 April. Here are some of the festivals celebrated across the country.
The festival of Baisakhi is celebrated across Punjab, Haryana and Delhi as a symbol of harvest. On this day, the tenth and last Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa Panth in 1699, so it is celebrated as the beginning of a year.
In Kerala, people light earthen lamps at home and burst firecrackers on the occasion of Vishu. On this day devotees visit temples and worship the lord.
Bihu is celebrated with great pomp in Assam and Manipur. It is celebrated thrice a year. Bhogali or Magh Bihu is celebrated in January, Bohag or Rongali Bihu in April, and Kongali Bihu is celebrated in October. People celebrate it by singing traditional songs and performing the folk dance Bihu.
Puthandu is celebrated on the first day of the first month according to the Tamil calendar. The night before this auspicious day, a plate full of fruits, gold and silver ornaments, money and flowers is placed in front of the Lord to wish for happiness and prosperity.
Poila Boishakh is majorly celebrated in West Bengal and Tripura. According to the Bengali calendar, this festival is celebrated on the first day of the first month of the year i.e. Boishakh. On this day, people decorate their homes with alpona and organize traditional cultural events.
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